2013 Dodge Dart Review

This car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale.

The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart takes the performance attributes of its Italian cousin, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, and infuses it with Dodge design. The front is styled with the unmistakable Dodge split crosshair grille while the rear features an available Charger-inspired"racetrack" full-width taillamp design with 152 indirect glow LEDs. Loaded with innovative technology, class-leading safety features and clever functionality, the Dart sets a new standard in the compact car segment by offering a high level of personalization, roominess, style and fun-to-drive dynamics. The Dart is available in three trims: SE, SXT and Limited. The Rallye Package is built off of the SXT trim. The R/T trim will be available later in the model year. The standard engine for the SE, SXT and Limited is a 160 horsepower Tigershark 2.0-liter engine combined with a standard 6-speed manual or an optional 6 -speed automatic transmission. A 160 horsepower MultiAir Intercooled Turbo 1.4-liter engine with standard six-speed manual or optional six-speed dual dry clutch (DDCT) transmission (available 3rd quarter 2012) features more torque and is available on SXT and Limited trims. Standard equipment on the SE includes four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, brake assist, brake-lock differential, traction control, electronic stability control with roll mitigation, hill-start assist, ten airbags, a reactive head-restraint system, power windows and projector headlights. The SXT adds power mirrors, power door locks with remote keyless entry, 60-40 rear seats with pass-through, premium cloth seats, front and rear carpet mats, and air conditioning. The Rallye Package includes 17-inch aluminum wheels, body-color crosshair grille with unique black surround, dual chrome exhaust tips, fog lights and unique premium cloth seat trim with accents. The Limited trim features 17-inch aluminum wheels, heated exterior mirrors, chrome crosshair grill with body-color surround, fog lights, power driver's seat, front passenger in-seat cushion storage, cruise control, Uconnect Touch 8.4 touchscreen CD/MP3 stereo, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, ParkView rear backup camera, a 7-inch TFT customizable instrument cluster display and ambient lighting. Available equipment includes high-intensity discharge remote headlamps; remote start system; proximity keyless entry; Keyless Enter-N-Go push-button start; rain-sensitive wipers; SmartBeam auto-dimming headlamps; ParkSense rear park assist system; blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection system; active grille shutters; underbody aerodynamic treatment, leather seat trim; heated front seats; front passenger in-seat cushion storage; express open/close sunroof; heated steering wheel; dual-zone automatic temperature control; SiriusXM satellite radio; 506-watt Alpine sound system; and a Uconnect Touch 8.4N CD/MP3/Navigation Multimedia Center.